Chief Financial Officer- Pet Segment

Central Garden & Pet

3mo ago

Job
Full-time
Expert Level
Accounting & Tax
Banking & Finance
Walnut Creek

AI generated summary

You need 15+ years in finance, 5 in consumer products, a degree in finance/accounting, CPA/MBA preferred, strong analysis skills, and ERP proficiency (SAP).
You will lead financial planning, budgeting, and performance analysis, develop financial tools, manage cash flow, oversee audits, and drive process improvements while building a strong finance team.

Requirements

The Pet CFO will be a seasoned and mature leader with at least 15 years of broad finance experience, including accounting, governance, gathering and evaluating financial information and making actionable recommendations to senior leadership. S/he will have experience managing the finance function (accounting, budgeting, control, and reporting) within a diverse, division-based entity. Additional requirements are as follows:
Desire 5 years’ experience in a high-performance consumer products manufacturing environment.
BS/BA degree required in accounting, finance or other related discipline.
CPA; MBA preferred.
Exceptional financial and operational analysis skills with a proven ability to meet financial closing and other reporting deadlines.
Highly effective interpersonal and influencing skills with evidence of having worked as a true business partner. An effective communicator at all levels in the organization, with strong oral and written skills and a willingness to share information.
History of succession planning and talent development within and outside of area of expertise
Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting a strategic vision into an operational model.
Strong business acumen with the ability to effectively operate across diverse audiences.
Fluent in GAAP and Sarbanes-Oxley requirements.
Demonstrated strengths in project management, problem solving, communications and change management.
Highly effective user of ERP systems, in particular SAP, and business intelligence tools such as Cognos.
Proven skills in both strategic and tactical planning with potential and desire for broader career growth.

Responsibilities

Serve as a member of the Pet leadership team
Serve as a member of the CFO’s leadership team.
Participate in Pet organization key decisions pertaining to strategic initiatives, operating model and operational execution.
Engage Central’s CFO around financial issues, trends, and changes in the operating model(s) and operational delivery.
As a true business partner to the President of Pet Products and commercial organization, assess organizational performance against both the annual budget and long-term strategy and work with the business to develop recovery plans as needed.
Develop tools and systems to provide critical financial and operational information to the CFO and other Leadership Team members and make actionable recommendations on both strategy and operations.
Assist in establishing yearly objectives and KPIs along with tracking mechanisms
Analyze the financial details of each business unit and commercial operations in order to identify opportunities and areas for improvement.
Direct and coordinate the financial planning and budgeting for the entire Pet organization utilizing corporate planning processes and tools.
Lead and improve financial forecasting accuracy for the Pet organization in coordination with the business.
Direct analysis of financial results and ad hoc analysis.
Analyze return on investment for new products, brand building activities and other company investments.
Develop and maintain capital budget.
Prepare and/or direct the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements, business operational packages and scorecards.
Prepare Pet organization financial packages and analysis for the Board of Directors.
Monitor, audit and develop Pet organization finance team to ensure that appropriate accounting methodologies and practices are routine, and the books are closed and detailed management reporting is performed on a timely and accurate basis.
Build a strong finance team by leading, training and developing the Pet organization finance team.
Establish a robust pipeline of talent as succession candidates.
Facilitate financial changes in conjunction with the Company’s changing business needs and industry climate.
Participate in ensuring Central is an inspiring, challenging and rewarding environment for employees.
Manage cash flow and forecasting. Develop a reliable cash flow projection process and work with Corporate Treasury to right size the Company’s investment in working capital.
Oversee the finance and accounting team to ensure proper maintenance of all finance and accounting systems and functions.
Ensure maintenance of appropriate internal controls and financial procedures.
Coordinate financial and tax audit work and support for the Pet organization.
Publish the monthly financial statements on a timely and accurate basis with a focus on reducing days to close.
Lead and support continual process improvement for financial systems and processes.
Work closely with the Pet team, Central’s CFO and CIO in the implementation of SAP and business intelligence tools.
Lead and/or conduct financial diligence of potential acquisitions and support integration of acquired businesses into the organization.
Ensure compliance with internal controls and control policies, guidelines and procedures for activities such as budget administration, cash and credit management and accounting. Maintain internal control safeguards.

FAQs

What is the job title for this position?

The job title is Chief Financial Officer for the Pet Segment.

What are the key responsibilities of the Chief Financial Officer for the Pet Segment?

The key responsibilities include overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, analysis, business planning, internal controls, financial diligence for potential acquisitions, and managing a finance team of 80 professionals.

Who does the Chief Financial Officer report to?

The Chief Financial Officer reports to Central’s Chief Financial Officer and the Pet President.

What qualifications are required for this role?

A BS/BA degree in accounting, finance, or a related discipline is required, along with a CPA and preferably an MBA. Additionally, 15 years of broad finance experience including 5 years in a consumer products manufacturing environment is needed.

What are the expected working conditions for this position?

The job is based in Walnut Creek, involves routine travel to business unit locations, and operates in a hybrid office environment, requiring frequent use of PC and office equipment.

What is the salary range for the Chief Financial Officer position?

The salary range for this position is $300,000 to $325,000 per year, depending on experience.

What kind of benefits does Central Garden & Pet Company offer?

Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, free life and disability insurance, 401k with company match, paid vacation, education assistance, and access to thousands of free online courses.

Is there an emphasis on talent development within the finance team?

Yes, there is a strong emphasis on talent development and succession planning within the finance team.

What types of financial systems and tools are required for this position?

The position requires proficiency in ERP systems, particularly SAP, as well as business intelligence tools like Cognos.

Does the company have a commitment to diversity and equal opportunity?

Yes, Central Garden & Pet Company is an equal opportunity employer and ensures all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to various protected characteristics.

Central Garden & Pet

Home is central to life — we are Central to home.

Manufacturing & Electronics

Industry

5001-10,000

Employees

1980

Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Central Garden & Pet understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. Our innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands, including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Cadet®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Four Paws®, Kaytee®, K&H®, Nylabone® and Pennington®, strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities, and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. With fiscal 2023 net sales of $3.3 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the pet and garden industries. Central Garden & Pet is brought to life every day by over 6,700 passionate people who are located across North America and Europe. Our employees are talented, energetic, and dedicated to the growth and success of our brands. We take pride in providing a great work experience to our employees – including a safe work environment, friendly atmosphere, and a comprehensive compensation & benefits package.